org charts in 2007 vs 2003

[merlin777]

I'm using 2003 and I find the org chart automation a but limited and
frustrating. For instance, although you can import excel data to create a
chart it's very complicated, it doesn,'t auto update and the result needs
loads of formatting by hand to tidy it up.

- Does 2007 improve on any of these things i.e.
- will it auto update if an excel sheet is updated
- can I add photos automatically by linking them from the spreadsheet
- are there better ways of automatically formatting the chart when it's
being created

and the best of all ... a holy grail of mine.... can it do other formats of
org chart such as a circular layout?

maybe I'm asking too much of Visio (any version)? If so I'd be interested if
anyone can point me at an alternative - should I use Access or maybe there's
an org chart software package that'll do the job?

anyway, here's hoping someone can help...

best regards to all here

jc

 

[WapperDude]

As far as I know:
1.) Nothing changed with regard to org chart and V2007: you might want to
check this link --
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio/HA101057641033.aspx?pid=CH100985551033
2.) I don't believe there is auto-updating
3.) Check out this post in general users about adding pictures: Subject:
Use Org Chart Wizard to include a Picture?
4.) No circular layout
5.) No recommendations, trying googling for org chart software.

 

[WapperDude]

Regarding updating, you might want to check out this post in the general
forum: Subject: Re: Update Visio Org Chart when data file changes

 

[WapperDude]

One more post to check, don't know if this will do your holy grail, but,
again, in general forum: Centering the Executive in and Org Chart

HTH.
Wapperdude

 

[Barb Way]

Concur with all below, and I can confirm there is no auto-updating (or
circular layout).
Importing is always going to create a new drawing, or new pages in a
current drawing.

I would suggest using/creating Themes as a quick 'pretty-up' step instead
of manual formatting :
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio/HA101733751033.aspx

You can also tweak the size and spacing settings in the Organization Chart
options to better control the way text fits in the blocks, etc.

Barb Way
Product Support - Visio
Microsoft Corporation
[This posting is provided "As Is" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.]
--------------------

As far as I know:
1.) Nothing changed with regard to org chart and V2007: you might want to
check this link --
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio/HA101057641033.aspx?pid=CH1009855510
33
2.) I don't believe there is auto-updating
3.) Check out this post in general users about adding pictures: Subject:
Use Org Chart Wizard to include a Picture?
4.) No circular layout
5.) No recommendations, trying googling for org chart software.